Home Grown Fire Chief | Photography by Brenda Colwell

Another great thing about living in a small town is having friends in high places. I could be talking about altitude, because our houses sit at 8700' feet and higher in Telluride, Colorado, but what I am really referring to are my friends who run the town, or in this case the Fire District. John Bennett is our newly appointed Fire District Director, responsible for fire prevention in the 250,000 acres of stunningly beautiful landscape we call home (no pressure John).

Johnny has been with the Fire Department his entire life with his Dad and his brothers, even his Great Grand Dad served on the Fire Department. So it just made sense that a boy who's family has been living in and protecting Telluride from fire for five generations be appointed to the position of Fire Chief. And he is highly qualified with 20 years of service and extensive training under his fire hat.

It's likely you already know John, and you might call him JB, Johnny B, John or just sir. He is easily the most well liked person in town, always greeting friends with a smile, a hug or a squeeze, and a little heartfelt laughter. I can't help but feel happy every time I see him. And while he is an easy going guy, he lives and breathes safety and takes his job very seriously. Locally famous and highly popular, of course a photo shoot was in order!